These Are, Hands Down, the Best-Smelling Perfumes of 2018

Sniff-tested, editor-approved, and guaranteed to not smell like your grandma. (Sorry, grandma.)

You know how it goes: It's a new year, and a fresh crop of fragrances are again promising to be your go-to scent. But since sniffing your way through the entire Sephora perfume aisle is less than ideal, we did you a solid by combing through every fragrance of 2018—including the floral, fruity, woody, and sweet notes—for the ultimate breakdown of our (and soon to be your) favorite new scents.

Ahead, the 12 best-smelling perfumes to spritz this year, including a bright, mineral scent to carry into the summer, and a warm and spicy combo to prep for fall.

FLORAL

Proenza Schouler Arizona Eau de Parfum

Perfume, Product, Fluid, Water, Glass bottle, Liquid, Cosmetics, Bottle, Plant, Flower,

(Image credit: Courtesy of Brand)

Proenza Schouler Arizona Eau de Parfum, $100

SHOP IT

Proenza Schouler’s first-ever scent hits the ideal middle ground between floral and sweet. Combining white cactus flower, jasmine, orange, and a touch of musk, it's a bright scent that we’ll be reaching for all summer long.

Nest Wisteria Blue

Perfume, Product, Liquid, Plant, Personal care, Fluid, Aftershave, Perennial plant,

(Image credit: Courtesy of Brand)

Nest Wisteria Blue, $72

SHOP IT

Powdery notes of French wisteria, Bulgarian rose, and imperial jasmine leave skin with an airy, feminine scent that’s soft enough—yet still definitively floral—for year-round wear.

Eric Buterbaugh Florals Sultry Rose Eau de Parfum

Perfume, Barware, Liqueur, Fashion accessory,

(Image credit: Courtesy of Brand)

Eric Buterbaugh Florals Sultry Rose Eau de Parfum, $295

SHOP IT

A soft wash of rose is mixed with pepper, passionfruit, and a hint of vanilla for a warm, modern spin on an otherwise classic scent.

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KKW Fragrance

(Image credit: Kim Kardashian West)

FRUITY

Kenzo World Eau de Toilette

Ceiling, Lighting, Pink, Ceiling fixture, Light fixture, Beige, Sconce, Lamp, Metal, Facial hair,

(Image credit: Courtesy of Brand)

Kenzo World Eau de Toilette, $72

SHOP IT

You’d think this fruity-sweet combo would be cloying, but the blend of pear, almond blossom, and peony creates a decidedly intoxicating effect.

Tory Burch Just Like Heaven Extrait de Perfume

Perfume, Product, Cosmetics, Beige,

(Image credit: Courtesy of Brand)

Tory Burch Just Like Heaven Extrait de Perfume, $108

SHOP IT

Crisp notes of mandarin orange and rhubarb are rounded out by cool ylang-ylang in Tory Burch’s newest addition.

John Varvatos Artisan Pure

Glass bottle, Drink, Bottle, Liqueur, Barware, Distilled beverage,

(Image credit: Courtesy of Brand)

John Varvatos Artisan Pure, $69

SHOP IT

John Varvatos' latest scent is anything but classic—lemon and orange are infused with rich notes of coffee tree flower and coriander seed for a truly fresh marriage of woody and fruity.

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(Image credit: Marie Claire)

WOODY

Elizabeth and James Amethyst Eau de Perfume

Violet, Purple,

(Image credit: Courtesy of Brand)

Elizabeth and James Amethyst Eau de Perfume, $68

SHOP IT

This spicy emulsion isn’t for the faint of heart—one spritz and skin is left with a heavy-lidded combination of tobacco, honeysuckle, and cedar that'll leave you feeling soft and warm.

Aura Mugler Eau de Parfum

Green, Emerald, Gemstone, Fashion accessory, Diamond, Heart, Jewellery, Crystal,

(Image credit: Courtesy of Brand)

Aura Mugler Eau de Parfum, $75

SHOP IT

The gorgeous, smoky-sweet finish comes from notes of bittersweet rhubarb leaves, sugary vanilla, and smoldering botanical tiger liana—which makes its debut in Mugler's new signature scent.

Tom Ford Vanille Fatale Eau de Parfum

Liqueur, Steak sauce,

(Image credit: Courtesy of Brand)

Tom Ford Vanille Fatale Eau de Parfum, $230

SHOP IT

Coffee, frangipani, and mahogany are accompanied by roasted barley and vanilla for a rich, just-brewed scent that smells exactly like a first cup of Starbucks feels.

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SWEET

Jo Malone Honey & Crocus Cologne

Beige, Eye, Material property, Cosmetics,

(Image credit: Courtesy of Brand)

Jo Malone Honey & Crocus Cologne, $70

SHOP IT

This limited-edition, beautifully packaged scent from Jo Malone sparks images of warm tea and the English countryside (a place we've all obviously been), thanks to a blend of honey, lavender, and almond milk.

Ellis Brooklyn Sci-Fi Eau de Parfum

Perfume, Product, Beauty, Water, Liquid, Fluid, Cosmetics, Personal care, Aftershave,

(Image credit: Courtesy of Brand)

Ellis Brooklyn Sci-Fi Eau de Parfum, $100

SHOP IT

The classic sweetness of vanilla is sharpened by bergamot and green tea in Ellis Brooklyn’s warm and subtly spicy scent.

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Hair Mist

Perfume, Product, Liquid, Cosmetics, Material property, Fluid,

(Image credit: Courtesy of Brand)

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Hair Mist, $40

SHOP IT

YSL’s much-loved, vibrant combination of coffee, vanilla, pink pepper, and orange blossom is now infused with argan oil to create a mist that leaves hair soft, shiny, and heavenly scented.

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(Image credit: Plume Creative)
Ruby Buddemeyer

Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram.